Best Buy will soon become the first U.S. retail chain to sell Apple’s popular iPhone 3G device, in a deal that could drive sales of the much-hyped gadget over the Christmas shopping season.

The iPhone will be available at 970 Best Buy stores beginning on September 7, widening the reach of the popular smartphone beyond Apples own stores, and those of its exclusive U.S. carrier, AT&T Inc.

This is likely a sign that Apple’s global shortage of iPhones is easing, according to some analysts. AT&T itself has said that although customers must usually wait 7 to 10 days for an iPhone today, it expects to sell the device on a same-day basis within a few weeks time.

Best Buy, meanwhile is expecting the iPhone’s introduction to boost consumer traffic during the crucial fourth-quarter holiday shopping season.

“It solidifies us as the place to go for the cool stuff,” commented Best Buy Mobile President, Shawn Score, in an interview. “Our customers are looking for this product.”